Abstract: Apparatus for winding and unwinding a cable of which one end makes electric contact with a fixed installation. The cable (6) has one end which makes electric contact with a fixed installation (18). It is wound on the peripheral portion of a fixed plate (15). A duct (17) fastened to a shaft (24) mounted for rotation relative to the plate (15) effects the winding and unwinding of the cable onto and from the fixed plate (15). The shaft (24) is returned by a spring in the cable unwinding direction. The semi-rigid cable (6) acts on the duct (17) to turn it in the winding direction. The duct (17) in which the cable passes has a curvature suitable for being subjected to the thrust of the cable.